The course addresses the topics of mechanics that are a necessary part of the basic education of a mechanical engineer. Starting from the knowledge acquired by the student in the Physics courses, the objective of the course of Mechanics of Machines is to provide the students with the necessary knowledge to properly address and solve engineering problems relevant to the mechanics of rigid bodies. The syllabus of the course will include:
- Description of the mechanics of rigid bodies and of the forces acting upon them
- Presentation of the main characteristics of mechanical drives and of their individual components, such as Hooke's joints, belt drives, gears and gear trains, power screws, clutches, brakes, bearings
- Outline of the basics of mechanical systems dynamics with particular emphasis to the mechanical vibrations
The course of Mechanics of Machines links the description of the physics underlying the behaviour of mechanical drives and their components to the methods instrumental in solving engineering problems such to enable the students at the end of the course to properly address problems relevant to the mechanical systems and to the transmission of the mechanical power from a prime mover to an operating machine.

Expected learning outcomes

The objective of the course is to develop the ability of the student to identify the problems relevant to rigid bodies mechanics, mechanical drives and mechanics of vibrations, to address them with a scientifically correct approach and to solve them with sound engineering methods in order to perform an effective functional design of mechanical systems.

Prerequisites / Assumed knowledge

Prerequisites for attending the course is a basic knowledge of calculus and physics.

The exam is in written form only. The duration is usually of 2 hours and 15 min.
During the exam, consulting of any support material (textbooks, notes, formularies or else) is forbidden.
Usually it is requested to solve three problems, similar to exercises presented in lessons and tutorials, which refer to all topics of the subject. Besides, it is requested to provide in open form the description of a topic presented in the course lectures.
The three problems weigh about 80% of the total score. The maximum grading is 30 cum laude.